Low resting heart rate

[Nitro...]

I've just been for a pre-op assessment (ear op due in August).
The Doc took my heart rate (resting) and it was 42.

I've managed to get this down to 41 in the past but that was over 5 consecutive mornings whilst laying in bed, so no pressure, stress etc.
I expected my HR to be a lot higher whilst having it done in hospital due to the nerves and stress factor.

I wouldn't class myself as an elite athlete - all I do is a bit of gym work and a bit of road cycling now and then. I can get my rate up to as high as 180 if I'm really exerting myself on the bike or gym.
My height is about 6' 3" and weigh about 92-94 Kgs.

I don't appear have any symptoms of anything wrong but would it be worthwhile bothering my own GP for a more indepth check?

The Doc at the hospital only queried my low HR but didn't go into it in any detail.

Anyone give me some ideas on what to do?
Thanks in advance.

[lord-of-creation]

Just took mine as I haven't done it for going on 5 years. Got 59 and 56 which according to a chart on the internet is excellent. 49-55 is athlete and therefore you must be an uber athlete. I would get that checked out to be honest just to be on the safe side

[996 sps]

Would not worry mate, you state you do a bit of training, 41 is not stupidly low, Mick Doohan had his down to 26 although trained hard. If the beats were irregular or blood pressure low/high then i'd be worried.

I've seen people range from 35 up to 70 in fit, healthy adults.

[M400 NBL]

When I had a medical after starting a new job just over 3 years ago, my HR was between 45/48 IIRC, but unfortunately my blood pressure was high. This was due to my previous job allowing me to eat and drink as much as I liked as I was helping them to relocate and train new staff... which I did

If your blood pressure is ok then you are far less likely to die of a heart related issue than most of us.

Like you, I can get up to a rate of 180/190 when going nuts on any cardio machine, but I am able to recover pretty quickly.

[Paul-M]

Are you on any medications eg Beta blockers etc..?

To be honest if you feel fit and well I would not worry. As said above many people have a resting pulse that is low.

[deevlash]

mine was 50 when I went in for a pre knee op assessment and I hadnt done any fitness training for ages due to the knee so 42 doesnt sound too low to me really.

[coupeboy]

Don't bother getting it checked, I road race and when I'm fit my resting rate can be mid 30s, its never over 45. I can be a natural attribute or due to training the normal resting rate is 50-70.

[Chairman LMAO]

It generally means very little. In the past it has been used as a measure of fitness but rarely correlates. I know a GB triathlete who cant get her HR above 175bpm, she can run 5 minute miles back to back...